Designated Safeguarding Lead

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more.

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

We are seeking a dynamic, empathetic, and skilled Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the Senior Leadership team.

You will work under the guidance of our Head of School and provide strategic and operational leadership of safeguarding and child protection within the academy, ensuring all pupils are safe and supported. The DSL will maintain robust systems, ensure compliance with statutory guidance, and lead a strong safeguarding culture across the school within the context of pupils with SEND and complex needs.

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong knowledge of KCSIE, Working Together and safeguarding thresholds
• Understanding of safeguarding in a SEND context
• Experience leading safeguarding in a school or specialist setting
• Ability to maintain oversight of safeguarding systems, not just individual cases

About our Academy

Ormiston Queensmill Academy is a well-established autism specific school. Although we acknowledge the complex needs which are associated with autism, we celebrate our pupils’ differences and uniqueness and we put our children and young people at the centre of our practice.

Staff at OQA are highly trained in autism and we commit a significant proportion of our annual budget to training and maintaining staff knowledge and resources so that children and young people with autism can learn in an environment that understands and is suited to them.

In addition to its Shepherd's Bush site , OQA operates two satellite provisions within mainstream schools across Hammersmith and Fulham. Sullivan, which opened in September 2025, caters for EYFS and Key Stage 1 pupils. Q4 which opened in 2013, located within Fulham Cross Academy, supports secondary-aged pupils who may be able to access some mainstream lessons alongside their specialist provision.

Across all settings, we offer a tailored and ambitious curriculum, enriched by a wide range of opportunities and autism-specific support, ensuring that each pupil's needs are met holistically. We foster autonomy, self-awareness and a strong sense of belonging, enabling our pupils to develop independence, purpose and meaningful connections within their communities.

Why work for Ormiston Academies Trust?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong - receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

Please see the job description attached for further information and if you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role please contact Aymeline Bel (Head of School) via email to Aymeline.Bel@oqma.co.uk

To apply for the role please submit an application form via the link above by the closing date stated. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Early applications are welcomed, as we reserve the right to interview and close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.